Preservation of Hazi Park Lake - An Opinion

•-Recently I came across an article in the papers regarding the preservation of Hazi Park Lake. This is a noble endeavour. But there are some points which need to be voiced out in this matter. The lake (if you can call it that), an eyesore at best, is a major health concern for people in the vicinity. Some years back, I had read another article where one of our Muslim brethren voiced out against proposals to fill in Hazi Park Lake. I had hoped that would mean beautifying the lake or at least cleaning it up. But no, they turned it into a garbage dump and sewage depository, the water from which could be polluting wells nearby, not to mention the mosquitoes and germs breeding in it. Over the years visitors and Dimapureans alike have had to stomach the scene and air of the decaying lake right in the heart of the city. If our esteemed leaders really want to save the lake, they should do so in the real sense of the word. There should be enough income from Hazi Park market in a single day to clean up the place and maybe a fountain in the middle would look nice too. While we are at it, the noise polluting generator upstairs could be replaced by something more decent. The public are no longer fooled by mere words and rhetoric. If the valiant defenders of Hazi Park Lake are content with the present condition of the lake, we are not. The District Administration should take steps to ensure that the lake - or for that matter, all public places - are health and eco-friendly. If they are not, well, we need parking lots in town, remember.